Farmer's market can stay

Photo: Contributed - Vernon Farmers Market

The Vernon Farmer's Market is staying put.

As area officials pursued adding a second sheet of ice to Kal Tire Place, there was some concern the market would be displaced because of the location of the additional ice sheet.

“If they built it to the north it will pretty much take up more than half of our market,” said Ingrid Baron, market manager, last month. “Plus, during construction we would have to move all together and that could take up to three years.”

The market represents 220 vendors and at peak season there are 185 booths set up selling everything from fruit and vegetables to home-made items.

The market attracts up to 100,000 people annually with an economic impact of more than $3 million.

However, in a press release, the Vernon Farmer's Market Society said it has been given assurances it can stay at the arena parking lot where it has been for the past 15 years.

“The Vernon Farmers Market board of directors met with Mayor Akbal Mund and Coun. Catherine Lord and they have given us assurances that if the referendum should succeed, that during construction, the Vernon Farmers Market would be able to remain at the Kal Tire Place location,” said a press release from the board.

On Nov. 28, residents of Vernon, Coldstream and Electoral Areas B and C will be asked to vote on the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) borrowing $13,250,000 to finance the construction of a second ice sheet at Kal Tire Place.

“It has always been our belief we could work with City officials in finding a solution and we will make it work. We look forward to a letter of confirmation from council in this respect,” said the board.